Departments & Programs

International Studies Program

Introduction

The major in international studies (INTL) provides an intellectual foundation that enables students to communicate, collaborate, and work across national, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic boundaries. It fosters competencies that students need in order to function successfully in a global environment and involves foreign language study as well as overseas experience.

The major is broadly constructed to allow flexibility as well as depth. Students explore the major by taking three introductory courses chosen from the following thematic areas: Culture and the Arts; Global Health and Environment; Global Integration and Development; Human Rights and Social Movements; International Communication; and Nations, States, and Boundaries. They also are required to focus on one thematic area by taking three additional courses in that area.

Students must choose a regional concentration area with the approval of the international studies advisor in consultation with the director of the program. This area can be perceived in one of two ways (students must select one):

An area defined geographically (either broadly defined, such as the Pacific Rim, or with a concentrated focus, such as Egypt or Germany); or

An area defined linguistically, religiously and/or ethnically (such as the Jewish diaspora) outside the United States.

Normally, the regional concentration chosen should relate to the student's language study.